The McHolidays are finally among us! I've been looking forward to this time of year ever since my husband got home. Last year's Thanksgiving didn't produce noteworthy memories at all, so this year I was determined to try to erase that horrible experience as much as possible.
My in-laws came from Oklahoma to stay with us for the week. This was the first time they've seen him in a year because of his deployment. It warmed my heart to see them all reunited. They also brought their two labs so even Zeus had some visitors. We mainly hit the beaches, shopped and just laid around the house. Perfect week to me! The weather was sunny and rainy so they got to see a little bit of both while in Florida. Here are some pictures of our week!
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| Day 1: They had to see the beach! |
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| Blue skies, clear water |
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| These two <3 |
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| Love the beach in all seasons |
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| Then we hit the beach again that evening to see the wonderful sunset |
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| I loved it when they all sat |
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| We had a fire going every night, love! |
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| Everyone wants a spot on Nana's lap |
Finally Thanksgiving Day!!
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| Early morning Selfie, feeling pretty! |
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| Love our furbaby |
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| The hosts! |
I asked everyone before dinner was served to run outside for a quick photo op. I love pictures. I love looking back on memories years later. You only regret the photos you don't take.
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| Trying to calibrate my camera...goofball |
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| McThanksgiving 2013 |
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| Had to get the furbabies in one too! |
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| I Love Us. |
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| Kit's first turkey |
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| Proud Chef |
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| We all got to see Kit's deployed brother via FaceTime for TG, special treat |
Afterwards we did the obligatory Gray Thursday/Black Friday shopping! Yes we're that family. We had a great time in Wal-Mart, watching the craziness and sharing stories. We all scored some great deals! Then came the goodbyes. The more we say them, the harder they seem to be, but luckily we're seeing you all in less than a month! We're very blessed to have them visit, so glad they got to see our home and spend a week with us!
***Sappy WARNING***
Throughout the whole week I kept looking at my husband and just feeling overwhelmingly grateful. It's truly amazing how one person can change your life. I could tell he felt the same way with all the hugs, kisses and smiles I got this week. Last year we were separated. He spend Thanksgiving with his unit, away from family. I spent TG alone at our empty home. I couldn't even muster enough spirit to cook TG. I was sad, lonely, angry, bitter and probably border-lined depressed. We made it through because honestly, what choice do we really have? That awful experience just made this year's more amazing. I savored every moment. Spared no photos, kisses, touches or "I love you"s. We're so grateful to have spent this year's TG in the company of each other. Next year we may not be so lucky, but this year we made some wonderful memories to hold onto for years.
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| Happy Thanksgiving! |
Not sappy. Truthful. So true. Glad your thanksgiving this year was one filled with joy, love and happy memories. It's those memories that light up dark times for me. Hold onto them!
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